Kerry Katona has said she feels the public have shown much more forgiveness to Ant McPartlin than her because he’s a man.
During her time in the spotlight, Kerry has had a number of much-publicised struggles with mental illness and substance abuse, revealing in 2018 that she’d been drug-free for nine years.
Meanwhile, Ant McPartlin took a break from his work commitments last year so he could focus on his recovery, after being found guilty of drink-driving.
With Ant having gone back to work, Kerry has reflected on the Iceland contract she lost when she was involved in a cocaine scandal, comparing the reaction he has received from the public to her own treatment in the media.
“I’d do anything to get that contract back,” she wrote in her latest new! magazine column. “Let’s start a petition to make it happen – I deserve another chance.
“Ant McPartlin went to rehab for drink and substance abuse problems and he was forgiven in less than a year, but it’s taken me a decade!
“People are quick to slag off women – especially mothers – if they go off the rails, yet if it’s a man in showbiz, he’s right back in the saddle. Fair play to Ant, but it’s so unfair.”
Ant made an “emotional” return to work last month, and has begun filming this year’s Britain’s Got Talent auditions alongside regular host Declan Donnelly.
He and Dec were visibly shocked during this year’s NTAs, when they were named Best Presenters for the 18th year running, despite having not been on screen together for most of last year.
Read Kerry’s column in full in the latest issue of new! magazine.
